TOWN HALL

Evening Star, Issue 23700, 7 October 1940, Page 4

TOWN HALL

ADMINISTRATION BLOCK IMPROVEMENTS HEW OFFICE FOR CITY TREASURER Improvements to the Town Hall administration block are proceeding slowly, but it is already possible to obtain a good idea of the future lay-out. With the removal of the steps the mam entrance is to be on the ground floor, and will be indicated by black granite pillars supporting a balcony. The vestibule leading into what was formerly the basement floor is to be lined with marble, and this will be set into position as soon as polishing of the floor is completed. This latter is no small job, as the flooring consists of grey terrazao, which, even in its present state, looks very fine. The vestibule will lead to the hits and the stairs, but considerable decorative work remains to be done and the floors have to bo covered. These remarks apply also to the first floor, where the public offices are. The present offices occupied by the traffic department are to be removed to Municipal Lane, between the gas showrooms and the Patriotic Council’s office. The new offices are well under way. and the transfer will be made as soon as possible. On the second floor the former vestibule which opened off the steps has been converted into a commodious office in which the city treasurer (Mr H. H. Henderson) will be found, his present rooms being devoted to other uses. ' From the room access will bo made on to the balcony, which is not yet completed, but which in its finished state will be roomy and protected by a neat stone balustrade. It will be used, as the top of the steps were used, for the purpose of making important proclamations. Actually this sort of thing is not common nowadays, although in the past many were the occasions when citizens congregated before the steps to hear momentous tidings. No use has been made of the steps for this purpose since the night of last mayoral elections 2-J years ago. Mr Henderson’s sanctum is not likely to be disturbed very often.